So who’s got reading plans this summer? I know it’s that time of the year when we see articles about beach reads, blockbusters, etc. I like the idea of summer reads but honestly I think my reading tends to be the same year round.

That said there are two reading challenges/projects that have come up that I’ll be participating in. I know, like I really need another challenge when I’m trailing behind on my challenges. Oh well, it’s all in the spirit of community.

The first one is the Japanese Literature Reading Challenge hosted by Dolce Bellezza. This is the 9^th year that she is hosting this wonderful challenge that encourages readers to read works by Japanese authors. I have participated several years and even if I read just one book I’m always happy to add discover a new author.

I don’t have a list of potential books yet but I wouldn’t mind reading something again by Banana Yoshimoto, Keigo Higashino, or Yasunari Kawabata. I’ll keep you posted! Oh and for this challenge all you need to do is read at least one book and it runs through the end of January 2016.

The other project is Estella’s Society Project Season 3. Andi and Heather have put together a great list of books to choose from which you can check here. Read one or more of the titles and share your thoughts.

Some of the books on that made the list have been on my TBR list for a while so this might be the perfect time to get to them right? This season runs through September 1, 2015 and you can read one, two, however many books you can.

Are you joining in some of these?

“We were going out to dinner. I won’t say which restaurant, because next time it might be full of people who’ve come to see whether we’re there. Serge made the reservation. He’s always the one who arranges it, the reservation.”

The Dinner
By Herman Koch
Translated from the Dutch by Sam Garrett

Two couples meet at an upscale restaurant in Amsterdam to discuss their children. Over the course of the evening meal, as each delicious plate comes out, the conversation turns more strained and secrets are revealed.

The two men, Paul and Serge are brothers. Paul is a former school teacher married to Claire. Serge is a local politician married to Babette. The two couples each have 15 year old sons who have committed a horrifying act of violence.

As dinner progresses not just are the actions of the boys alarming but the parents’ reactions are equally horrifying. Their justifications and reasoning make you wonder if these are the type of parents these kids grew up is it any wonder that the kids committed a crime?

I don’t want to write too much about the crime itself because I don’t want to spoil this read for you but this was a book that had me on the edge of my seat. What is even more alarming I think is that I could imagine something like this happening. Criminal acts occur all the time as well as those committed by young adults and children. Not only that but it does make you think what would you do? Would you do the right thing? And, what is the right thing, protecting your loved ones, making amends?

I found the story very original and a story full of questions for discussion which would make this an excellent book group choice. I would definitely like to read more books by this author.

Source: Personal copy